asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the progress that has been made in County Clare in animal disease eradication since testing was resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Animal Disease Eradication.
27.
The latest rounds of testing under the bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis eradication schemes commenced in mid-October, 1976. Between then and 31st December, 1976 about 20 per cent of the herds in County Clare were TB tested and 13 per cent brucellosis tested. These percentages are a little below the average for other counties but I am satisfied that as the rounds progress the rate of testing for this county will keep pace with the national average. It is far too early in the rounds of testing to form any conclusions as to the incidence of these diseases in the county as a whole.